Table 1 Key MRI findings for the diagnosis of localized disorders of the fasciae
From: Fasciae of the musculoskeletal system: MRI findings in trauma, infection and neoplastic diseases
Diagnosis | Key MRI findings |
|---|---|
Morel-Lavallée lesion | • Fusiform or ovoid fluid collection • Located at the interface between the hypodermic fat and the deep peripheral fascia |
Myofascial and myotendinous injuries | • Loss of the normal organization of the muscles and fasciae with abnormal heterogenous intermediate signal intensity • Inconstant collections of fluid and/or blood • Located at the interface between the muscle and the epimysium (myofascial injuries) and the interface between the muscle and the tendon (myotendinous injuries) |
Muscle hernia | • Focal bulging of the muscle tissue out of the muscle compartment into the hypodermic fat • Interruption of the deep peripheral fascia is inconstantly observed |
Non-necrotizing and necrotizing cellulitis | • Infiltration of the hypodermis with fluid-signal intensity and enhancement after contrast material injection • May be associated with collections and lack of enhancement of the hypodermis due to poor vascularization and/or necrosis (necrotizing cellulitis) |
Necrotizing fasciitis | • Thickening of the deep fasciae with high signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences and heterogeneous enhancement after contrast material injection • Low signal intensity areas visible on all sequences suggestive of gas (highly specific but not sensitive) • Extensive thickening of the intermuscular fasciae with an appearance suggesting incomplete vascularization supports the diagnosis |
Palmar fibromatosis | • Nodules in continuity with the palmar aponeurosis • Diagnosis is usually clinical |
Plantar fibromatosis | • Nodule in continuity with the plantar aponeurosis • May be multiple and bilateral |